Governor Mark Dayton has appointed Sophia Vuelo ’98 (HUSL) to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. Vuelo will be the first judge of Hmong descent in the state, and only the third Hmong-American to serve as a judge in the U.S.
“I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity by Governor Dayton to serve our State of Minnesota,” Vuelo said. “I hope to continue to my work in pursuing justice in our legal system.”
“Ms. Sophia Vuelo has dedicated her career to pursuing justice for all Minnesotans, through her work with Minnesota courts, charities, and in her own private practice,” Dayton said in a news release. “Ms. Vuelo’s commitment to public service has prepared her well for this important new role.”
Vuelo will be chambered in St. Paul and will replace the Honorable Margaret M. Marrinan.
Vuelo is currently a solo practitioner who handles juvenile protection, family, and criminal cases at her firm Vuelo Law. She has also served as a special assistant Ramsey County attorney, an assistant public defender in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District, an assistant city attorney in Rochester, and managing attorney at Catholic Charities.
Vuelo is a member of the Collaborative Community Law Initiative board of directors, volunteers at Weaver Elementary School in Maplewood, and is a former vice president of the Hmong American Bar Association.